"low fluid" diagnosis

If you were ever told you had "low fluid" at the end of your pregnancy, how did your doctor know to check?

I'm only asking because my SIL and a friend of mine have both had issues with "low fluid levels" and I'm just confused at how the doctors knew. Like can they feel with an internal exam? Or just ultrasound? Would the woman have to complain for them to have an indication?

ultrasound  

Quoting VeggieBurglar:" ultrasound  "

So if your particular practice of doctors only does two ultrasounds during pregnancy, unless there was a medical need for others, how would they ever know? both of these women never had any other issues.

maybe i should just ask them huh?

U/S and maybe measuring behind with where the uterus should be

Quoting MILF !!:" So if your particular practice of doctors only does two ultrasounds during pregnancy, unless there was ... [snip!] ... need for others, how would they ever know? both of these women never had any other issues. maybe i should just ask them huh?"

If they even suspect it they'd go on and do it. And it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Quoting *~AngelEyes~*:" If they even suspect it they'd go on and do it. And it wouldn't hurt to ask."

but how do they suspect it? its just so bizarre to me. I'm so glad the women I know were diagnosed properly and action was taken, but HOW did the doctors know?!

My daughter passed meconium before she was born and I was reading that this is sometimes directly related to low fluid levels, fetal distress, or post dated babies. Just made me wonder.

I have a weak cervix and bled during both my pregnancies, and each time they ordered an ultrasound to check/confirm low amniotic fluid.

Quoting MILF !!:" but how do they suspect it? its just so bizarre to me. I'm so glad the women I know were diagnosed properly ... [snip!] ... that this is sometimes directly related to low fluid levels, fetal distress, or post dated babies. Just made me wonder. "

Tbh? I have NO idea!! Heh.

if your uterus is measuring small for your date they will usually order an ultrasound to check fluid levels. low fluid can cause intra-uturine growth restriction. I had it w/my 4th baby....was induced at 37wks, LO was 5lbs 11oz & 17in long but perfectly healthy  

Quoting 6 blessings so far....:" if your uterus is measuring small for your date they will usually order an ultrasound to check fluid ... [snip!] ... growth restriction. I had it w/my 4th baby....was induced at 37wks, LO was 5lbs 11oz & 17in long but perfectly healthy  "

^makes sense.

with y boys, i'd hardly feel them. dr wanted to see why and did an ultrasound